Don’t Waste a Good Financial Crisis

Right now, America is facing one of its most challenging times in our country’s history. Only once before has the U.S. economy experienced such a financial meltdown. History calls it the Great Depression. And although we have a name for it, most of us have no emotional understanding of what it did to our families–our American people.

At it’s greatest length, the Great Depression lasted until the early 1940’s, which means that a person at the age of 25 would be about 95 today. So why is it that we, the children and grandchildren of these victims, have no true understanding of this so-called “Great Depression?”

Joel 1:2 says–
“Hear this, you elders; listen, all who live in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your forefathers? Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.”

The Great Depression was much like what was described later in verses 10 and 12–
“The fields are ruined, the ground is dried up; the grain is destroyed, the new wine is dried up, the oil fails. The vine is dried up and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, the palm and the apple tree–all the trees of the field–are dried up. Surely the joy of mankind is withered away.”

With a heartache like this still fresh in the hearts and souls of our elders, why did our grandparents not share the trials and tribulations that led them to prayer and repentance? Our country needs stories right now that illustrate the brokeness of man and his need for a response from God.

God’s instructions for financial relief are clear just as they were then.

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” (Joel 2:12-13)

The testimonies and stories of our forefathers are real, just untold. A decade of inspiration and encouragement is being lost with a generation that is dying everyday. The fruits and blessings we have enjoyed over the last thirty years are a testiment to their repenting heart, obedience to God, and spiritiual strength.

If we expect God to respond in our time of need, we will have to follow a similar, if not the exact, path of our grandfathers.

Take this time to remember the decisions you are making, the sleepless nights, your crying out to God, your search for peace, your quest for wisdom and understanding, your financial struggles, and most importantly, the day you chose to repent.

Remember this story well. And share it freely with your children. We must do our part and must warn them against disobedience.

Just as grandparents enjoy spoiling their grandchildren over disciplining them, God would rather spend His time blessing you than correcting you.

And avoiding another financial crisis wouldn’t be so bad either.